"The symptoms are extremely general. Bloating, change in appetite, fatigue - symptoms women deal with all the time."

Other symptoms include abdominal or pelvic pain, increased abdominal size and needing to urinate often or urgently.

Ovarian Cancer Australia has urged women see a doctor if symptoms persist for two weeks or more.

Dr Samimi said the cancer was "extremely difficult to treat" once it had spread.

An average of the 1200 Australians are diagnosed with the cancer each year.

Treatment includes a full hysterectomy and chemotherapy but only 20 per cent of patients survive for five years after diagnosis.

Ovarian cancer survivor and advocate Margaret Rose, who chairs the Garvan Institute ovarian cancer research fund, said the benefits of an early detection test would be "enormous".

She said the present CA125 blood test was inconclusive and only an operation could ascertain the presence of the cancer.

Research by Ovarian Cancer Australia shows three out of five women incorrectly believe the cancer is detected by a pap smear.

"Furthermore, 51 per cent of women are under the (incorrect) perception that the cervical cancer vaccine also protects against ovarian cancer."

The organisation is raising funds on Ovarian Cancer Day by urging people to buy teal ribbons from Chemmart Pharmacies, Harvey Norman and My Size stores nationwide and Contours Gyms and Brazilian Butterfly salons in the eastern states, or from the Ovarian Cancer Australia website www.ovariancancer.net.au

"This Teal Ribbon Day we are urging women of all ages to become aware of the symptoms of ovarian cancer," said CEO Alison Amos.